OUR INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Solid Foundations

Damon O’Brien – Chief Investment Officer

Damon has 15 years’ experience in the wealth management industry, and is a CFA® charterholder. Damon’s career path has included exposure to a boutique wealth management firm, a national advisory dealer group and a ‘fund of hedge funds’ company. Working in these differing businesses has provided him with a unique perspective across the wider investment and advisory industry in New Zealand.

Damon is the chair of the Consilium investment committee.

He has a B Comm. majoring in Economics and Operations Research from University of Canterbury and, after joining the wealth management industry, went on to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Personal Financial Planning) through Massey University. As a CFA® charterholder, Damon is bound by the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

Ben Brinkerhoff – Partner Growth

Ben has worked in the wealth management industry for almost 10 years. Prior to moving to New Zealand, Ben was Chief Operating Officer at Index Fund Advisors, an advisory firm with $2.2 billion of funds under advice. His career has also seen him undertake the role of senior economic consultant, and economic manager for the Qatar Economic Free Zones.

Ben’s main role is to facilitate growth and improve efficiency in Consilium partner firms, and help them achieve their strategic initiatives. He is also a member of the Consilium investment committee.

Ben is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) and has a BA in History and Economics from University of California.

Dr. Bart Frijns – Investment Committee Member

Dr. Bart Frijns is a Professor of Finance at AUT and the Director of the Auckland Centre for Financial Research.

Since obtaining his PhD in Finance from Maastricht University in 2004, Dr Frijns has undertaken empirical research on topics ranging from the impact of regulations on financial markets, to volatility dynamics and price setting behaviour.

His research has been published in leading international journals and he is a regular speaker at international finance conferences.

Dr Frijns is also a Financial Risk Manager certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals and a Senior Affiliate of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.

He is a member of the Collaborative Consulting Investment Committee, with a particular focus on governance, analytical support and policy review.

Mitchell Bristow – Investment Analyst

Mitchell has ten years’ experience in investment management, returning to New Zealand after a number of years working in Hong Kong as a Quantitative Analyst and Risk Manager for funds across a broad range of investment strategies. Mitchell’s professional career has focused on financial modelling and data analysis, with significant experience in tracking, monitoring and reporting on the performance of recommended investments.

In his role at Collaborative Consulting, Mitchell is an integral part of the investment committee, with a range of primary and supporting responsibilities in the areas of investment analysis, performance monitoring, supplementary fund due diligence, asset allocation and research.

Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Statistics) and a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Management Science) from the University of Canterbury.